U.S. Pony Clubs started in 1954 to teach the English style of riding and the proper care of horses. It is an offshoot of the British Pony Club, which was created in 1929 as a junior branch of the Institute of the Horse. Since then, Pony Club has expanded to many countries around the world. The main purpose is to promote sportsmanship, stewardship and leadership through horsemanship.

In the last decade, U.S. Pony Clubs has made a conserted effort to strengthen its program to meet the needs of today's horse involved youth. This has included, raising the age of graduation from 21 to 25, offering Pony Club through an established riding lesson business, expanding certifications to include the disciplines of Dressage and Show Jumping, bringing in Western disciplines, and including land conservation in the Standards of Proficiency. Please join us as we continue our mission of developing character, leadership, confidence and a sense of community in our youth, thereby developing strong leaders for tomorrow.

Horsemanship with respect to healthcare, nutrition, stable management, handling and riding a mount safely, correctly and with confidence

Respect for the horse and self through horsemanship; for land through land conservation; and for others through service and teamwork

Service by providing an opportunity for members, parents, and others to support the Pony Club program locally, regionally and nationally through volunteerism

Education at an individual pace to achieve personal goals and expand knowledge through teaching others

Safety: Pony Club has always been a leader in the area safety. Pony Club was the first organization to require helmets to be worn. Today we continue that commitment through our Safety Committee, which reviews all incident reports, recommends to the Board safety procedures and policies, and educates our members, parents and leaders about working safely around horses. Policy 125. In addition, background checks are required for Pony Club leaders and additional training for leaders in youth protection is in development.

Diversity: Pony Club was formed with the understanding that it was to be a supplement to whatever formal lesson program a member may be involved in and that for some, participation in Pony Club may be the only structured instruction a member may receive. Pony Club has been dedicated to keeping dues and fees as low as possible, so that cost should not be a prohibition to any child wishing to participate. Our goal is have a broad base to allow any child with an interest in horses to be able to participate.